New supportive living residence now open in Slave Lake

SLAVE LAKE – Points West Living, Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Town of Slave Lake officially celebrate a new supportive living residence today that is helping to meet Slave Lake’s growing and changing needs for seniors care.

Points West Living adds 52 living spaces to the community; 45 of those are contracted by AHS for designated supportive living. These spaces offer a mix of living options, including dementia care, to meet the varied health and personal needs of its residents.

“I greatly value and respect our seniors and the contributions they’ve made and continue to make to Alberta. I’m happy this new facility will allow more seniors in Slave Lake to access the quality care options they deserve, while staying in the community they helped build,” says Danielle Larivee, Minister of Municipal Affairs on behalf of Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman.

The new Points West Living residence received $4.35 million in funding through the Government of Alberta’s Affordable Supportive Living Initiative to help construct its supportive living spaces. The residence is located at 105 6 Ave. N.E., immediately west of Vanderwell Heritage Place.

“As a community, it’s important we keep working with government partners to ensure Slave Lake-area residents continue to receive the care they need,” says Slave Lake Mayor Tyler Warman. “This project is an example of how, together, we are working to ensure that residents are able to access the continuing care services and accommodations they need to remain safe and healthy as they age, close to home.”

Construction began in spring 2014 and Points West Living started accepting residents last fall.

Supportive living provides a home-like setting for adults and seniors in a private yet congregate living setting. It is a non-institutional alternative for those who are no longer able to live in their own homes, which focuses on health promotion, well-being, independence and maintaining functional abilities.

“Points West Living is the first residence in Slave Lake to offer several levels of supportive living care under one roof,” says Cindy Harmata, an AHS Senior Operating Director for Rural Health.

“Now, as needs change, seniors will not have to move to a different residence. This is yet another example of the work AHS is doing to enhance care services in the Slave Lake area.”

Points West Living is a leader in providing high-quality, supportive, gentle care. The new residence is specifically designed with common areas and features that allow individuals to live in a home-like setting. It offers varied housing options and levels of services, which are designed to respond to the unique needs of each individual.

“Points West Living is thrilled to join the community of Slave Lake and contribute to providing supportive living for memory care, frail, elderly and independent supportive living residents,” says Points West Living CEO Doug Mills.

The residence also includes seven independent-living spaces, including rooms for couples, which are reserved for seniors who do not need daily medical and personal supports.

For more information about Points West Living, please visit pointswestliving.com.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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